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Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper

$220.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (6)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper

3 community setups

5 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (12)

$220.00 8 available Used

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Average Price: $220

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Multi Effects Pedals category, Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Dive into an ocean of sound with the Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper, a unique fusion of distortion, envelope filtering, and modulation that will elevate your musical journey. Ideal for guitarists seeking to push the boundaries of conventional sound, this pedal uses premium EHX 12AX7 tubes to craft an array of tones, from subtle synth whispers to explosive, self-oscillating roars. With its intuitive controls and switchable filter sweep modes, the Tube Zipper invites you to explore an unparalleled sonic landscape. Whether you're sculpting your signature sound or adding a touch of wild to your performance, this pedal stands as a testament to Electro-Harmonix's legacy of innovation.

Key Features:

Equipped with premium EHX 12AX7 tubes for rich, analog warmth and complexity.
Offers a versatile range of sounds, from gentle envelope filtering to intense distortion.
Features switchable filter sweep modes, allowing for extensive sound shaping.
Capable of self-oscillation, creating unique and otherworldly tones.
Designed for easy integration into any pedalboard setup, enhancing both live performances and studio recordings.

Product specs

Brand	Electro-Harmonix
Model	Tube Zipper Envelope Filter / Distortion
Finish	Silver / Blue
Year	2010s
Categories	Distortion Pedals, Filter and Wah Pedals

FAQs

What type of effects does the Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper provide?: The Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper combines envelope filter and distortion effects, allowing for dynamic, expressive sound shaping with a unique tube-driven character.
Can the Tube Zipper be used with bass guitars?: Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper works well with bass guitars, offering rich harmonic content and responsive envelope effects that complement bass frequencies.
What power supply is required for the Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper?: The Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper requires a 12V DC power supply to operate, which is typically included with the pedal.
How does the Tube Zipper differ from other distortion pedals?: The Tube Zipper stands out by combining distortion with an envelope filter, offering a unique, tube-driven sound that responds dynamically to your playing style.
Is the Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Tube Zipper is suitable for live performances, providing versatile sound options and robust build quality ideal for stage use.

Videos

Add video

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper Envelope Filter / Distortion Pedal (Demo by Peter Stroud)

EHX

EHX Tube Zipper - Gear Up

THE MUSICIAN NETWORK (TMNtv)

Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper Distortion & Envelope Filter

JetCityMusic

EHX - Tube Zipper Electro Harmonix (Envelope & Drive)

rodrigo lanceloti

Electro-Harmonix - Tube Zipper - Demo by Peter Stroud - Envelope Filter- Distortion

JRR Shop

Electro Harmonix Tube Zipper Oscillating

fatblckchick

Reviews

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PROS

Unique sonic capabilities unmatched by other pedals
Versatile, offering both distortion and unique frequency filter effects
Trill switch provides exceptional sound enhancement
Highly tweakable for personalized sound crafting
Pre-amp and drive aspects elevate pedal performance
Tube warmth ideal for cutting through mixes, especially in digital recording
Complements other pedals well, particularly pitch and delay
Durable, with users noting over a decade of use

CONS

Large size and unique power connector can be inconvenient
Limited availability, as they are not currently in production
Different power supply compared to most pedals, requiring extra setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners consider moving the power connector to the top for easier access and better cable management.
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Users suggest replacing stock tubes with Sovtek high-gain tubes for enhanced mid and low-end saturation and a more dynamic sound.
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Comparisons

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Some users prefer the EHX Wiggler for its vibrato and tremolo features over the Tube Zipper's envelope filter/distortion capabilities.
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Owners who have used the Tube Zipper and English Muff'n report that both pedals offer distinctive tones but are limited by their large size and complex power requirements.
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Features and functionality

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The Tube Zipper's tubes are used for the gain stage rather than the filter, which some users find unconventional.
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The pedal's 'Trill mode' can self-oscillate with gain, drive, and resonance settings high, offering a touch-sensitive, interactive playing experience.
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The Tube Zipper's power requirements often deter potential buyers, who cite limited space for non-standard power supplies as a concern.
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Value and pricing

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The Vox Snake Charmer, mentioned as a comparable tube pedal, is noted for its affordable price around $50, highlighting its unique auto swell feature.
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Build quality

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The Tube Zipper is notably large, approximately the size of three standard stompboxes, requiring a bespoke 1 amp 12V AC power supply.
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User experience

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Users found it necessary to limit resonance to control the pick attack's click, highlighting the pedal's sensitivity and tonal range.
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Some users find the Tube Zipper's unique sound worth the hassle of its power requirements and size, emphasizing a love for its unique tonal characteristics.
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Use cases and applications

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Adjusting sensitivity allows clean picking, with harder hits triggering the filter effect, offering unpredictable yet engaging performance dynamics.
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The Tube Zipper can create a unique envelope fuzz flanger effect, which adds a distinctive character to guitar tones.
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Critic Reviews

Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper is a hybrid of an envelope filter and tube-driven distortion, offering a unique palette of sounds. It's not for the plug-and-play crowd, as it demands patience to master the interactive controls. Once tamed, it delivers eclectic tones from auto-wah to DJ-like scratches, with the warmth of real tubes. Perfect for those seeking unconventional sounds, it’s a potential must-have for experimental musicians. However, its complexity might be daunting for some, making it more suited for adventurous tone hunters.

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